BAIA DO SANCHO

Best for: Swimming Baia do Sancho is on Fernando de Noronha island, facing the coast of Brazil. Surrounded by steep cliffs it is covered in vegetation and accessible only by boat on the seaward side or by climbing rope ladders attached to the cliff face on the landward side. Go for a swim in the impossibly-clear waters or go snorkelling to spot spinner dolphins, rays, turtles and even sharks.How to get there: Take a day boat-tour from Fortaleza, Natal or Recife to Fernando de Noronha.Best time to visit: Year round, but from April to July, two waterfalls form in the cliffs.

IPANEMA

Snag a seat at Posto 9, it tends to have the trendiest crowd. Photo: Cultura Creative/Alamy

Best for: People watching Just as famous as its neighbour, Copacabana, Ipanema is a touristy beach full of shacks and kiosks. If you’re looking for action, this is just the place to be—and as cheesy as it sounds, people even clap when the sun goes down. Try and snag a seat at Posto 9, which tends to have the trendiest crowd. Ipanema is also a great place from where you can gape at Rio’s iconic Christ the Redeemer.How to get there: Once in Rio de Janeiro, catch the metro to Ipanema/General Osorio, or take any of the buses marked Ipanema from Centro.Best time to visit: October to March.

PRAIA DO PINHO

Best for: Naturism One of the first nude beaches in Brazil, Praia do Pinho is certainly one of the most popular. Surrounded by cliffs and greenery, it ensures that you have don’t have to worry about your privacy, and even offers bars and camping areas if you find yourself wanting to stay longer. With the simple philosophy of being one with nature, Praia do Pinho offers you a chance to connect with your surroundings.How to get there: The best way to get here is to fly into the airport at Navegantes. Praia do Pinho is 30km away.Best time to visit: Just before or after peak summer—which ends in March—as that’s when the beach is adequately busy.

ARPOADOR

Rocky outcrops and stable breakers make Arpoador popular with surfers. Photo: Iconotec/Alamy

Best for: Surfing Located between Copacabana and Ipanema, Arpoador beach is hidden by cliffs. Though it doesn’t have too many shacks or cafés, it offers great views and usually has live music on the weekends. The rocky outcrop creates stable breakers up to 10ft high, making Arpoador popular with surfers and body surfers. It’s also well-lit at night, making it a great spot for a midnight dip.How to get there: Walk over from Ipanema.Best time to visit: October to March.

ALTER DO CHÃO, PARÁ

Best for: Eating grilled tambaqui fish Alter do Chão is not a sea beach but a river beach, located in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, about 700km upriver. The perfect place for relaxing after spending a few days in the jungle, the gorgeous beach consists of a sandbank fringed by white sand. Make sure you try the grilled tambaqui fish, which this region is famous for.How to get there: Alter do Chão is 30km away from Santarem, a trip that takes an hour by taxi.Best time to visit: May to November.

PRAIA DA PIPA

Cafes line the shore at Praia da Pipa. Photo: 123rf

Best for: Swimming with dolphins Also known as Dolphin Bay, Praia da Pipa has plenty of the playful mammals swimming around. That aside, you can also look forward to surfing, sand-surfing, kite-surfing, paddle boarding and snorkelling. A favourite weekend destination with the locals, it has several bars and clubs, but has managed to avoid being as overdeveloped as Jericoacoara, the other popular beach in the region.How to get there: The closest airport is Augusto Severo International Airport. You can make the 80km trip to the beach by taxi, bus or minibus.Best time to visit: July to March.

CARAIVA

Best for: Peace and quiet The state of Bahia is known for its beaches, of which Caraíva is certainly one of the best. The town is still coming up, providing you a relatively unpopulated stretch of beach where you can walk for hours! Lush greenery, blue water and not another person in sight makes it the perfect place to escape to for some downtime.How to get there: There are bus services that will take you to Caraíva, after which you will have to make your way around on foot.Best time to visit: December to March.

TAIPUS DE FORA

Best for: Snorkelling Also in Bahia, Taipus de Fora is a long sweep of beach that ends at a headland. Known for having the bluest water, it is famous for snorkelling, because when the tide recedes, it leaves behind shallow pools in which you can see lots of colourful tropical fish. You’ll find plenty of hotels, restaurants and bars around here, making it the perfect place to go after the quiet of Caraiva.How to get there: Make your way to the Maraú Peninsula by ferry, boat or bus and then take a taxi to the beach.Best time to visit: February to June.

PRAIA LOPES MENDES

Best for: Water sports Known as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Praia Lopes Mendes is located on Ilha Grande, an island off the coast of Brazil. Cars are not allowed on this island, and you will have to make your way to the beach on foot. But with a beautiful sands, water sports and traditional Brazilian seafood awaiting you, the beach is well worth the trek.How to get there: Make your way to Angra dos Reis or Mangaratiba by bus or car, then embark on a ferry to Abraão. Once on the island you have to walk everywhere.Best time to visit: January to March.

JUQUEÍ

Best for: Nightlife A popular weekend getaway with the locals from São Paolo, Juqueí is as good for relaxation and detox, as it is for partying and clubbing. Known for its white sand and clear water, it is the perfect spot to grab a chilled beer. If you’re trying to avoid the crowds, this is not the place to be.How to get there: It’s roughly a two-hour road journey from São Paolo.Best time to visit: November to February